For many people, a date like September 1st means the end of the holidays with the beginning of the routine and with this anthropocentric vision that now dominates the world, this can be “traumatic”. From the BIOPARC Foundation and the parks of Fuengirola, Valencia and the Aquarium of Gijón, is intended to open our eyes to other realities that take place on that same September 1st, such as commemoration of the International Primate Day. On the eve of this anniversary, it is intended to denounce that many of these species are facing a truly tragic "end", since Its extinction is getting closer and closer and the opportunity to avoid it is only in our hands.
According to biological ordering, Primates are divided into prosimians, monkeys and apes. y The BIOPARCs of Fuengirola and Valencia host the most representative species of this classification with the aim of their preservation. In all cases these groups under human care have been created following the recommendations of the European Endangered Species Conservation Programmes (EEP) which have expert committees to coordinate controlled reproduction that guarantees the survival of each species avoiding inbreeding and ensuring the well-being of each individual. Prestigious entities such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which produces the sadly famous Red List which includes all these species, have expressed the necessary involvement of animal parks in these actions ex situ if we want to prevent their extinction.
Many of these species face a truly tragic “end”, because Its extinction is getting closer and closer and the opportunity to avoid it is only in our hands
In Spain BIOPARCs are a reference in this sense. They are home to the largest variety of lemur species (endemic to Madagascar): ring-tailed, black- and white-collared, red-collared, black, red-bellied, mongoose and red-fronted. Also the only breeding family of golden-cheeked gibbon; the largest groups of gorillas, chimpanzees, drills and talapoins. spectacular expansion This year at BIOPARC Fuengirola with a new habitat inspired by the historic first circumnavigation of the world by Juan Sebastián Elcano, you can now see species from the American continent such as the white-faced Saki or the golden lion tamarin, Goeld's, emperor and coppery or red-crested tamarin.
El Scientific knowledge about primatology allows you to carry out these with the best criteria conservation actions, but also doing so by incorporating the highest standards of animal welfare and care offering environments that favor their development according to the characteristics of each species. The novel design of zoodipping recreates the different jungles of the planet and even designs unique enclosures where mangabeys and gorillas coexist. specialized staff It makes it possible to apply techniques such as environmental enrichment and to delve into another equally fundamental objective, such as being great. platforms for raising awareness in society, offering information and bringing the beauty of this threatened wild nature closer to mobilize towards its protection.
In this Global vision of biodiversity protection, BIOPARC enters the marine environment with the Gijón Aquarium and focuses on the BIOPARC Foundation the strategy for preserving habitats of origin with participation in relevant projects aimed at primates. Among them, gorillas with the Ebo Forest Research Project, Borneo Nature Foundation dedicated to orangutans or the Jane Goodall Institute where part of the reforestation and agroforestry sustainability programme in the chimpanzee habitat in Kédougou (Senegal) is partially financed.
Primates with an extraordinary variety of more than 500 species
Awakening people's interest in the environment is essential, as well as conveying information about such unique animals as primates, with an extraordinary variety of more than 500 species. Great apes of 200 kg, tiny monkeys, agile climbers, with or without useful tails, bipedal or quadrupedal, solitary, from small families or very large groups, some are omnivorous and others vegetarian, led by matriarchies or with a dominant male. So much plurality that is unified in a common concept, They are fascinating and we have a responsibility to look after their future.In this context, it is essential to have social support, to bring together the efforts of numerous conservation institutions and the impetus of professional teams so that International Primate Day becomes a true celebration.
